Craigslist find of the Week: Ford Fairlane/Torino

I have always been drawn to odd cars, ones that are just a bit less common. Not necessarily custom cars, but the factory cars that weren’t quite as popular as their mainstream brethren and often from brands that no longer exist: AMC, Pontiac, Mercury, etc. There are some models from the mainstream brands that also fall into that category, like the Ford Fairlane/Torino. I can’t explain why, but these seem to be a rare sight compared to their contemporary Mopar B-bodies and GM A-bodies. While Mustang got all the glory, I think its bigger stablemate is every bit as cool. Of course there’s the NASCAR history of the Torino Talladega and its gorgeous fastback lines, but the 1970 and 1971 hardtop have great swoopy lines and look every bit as good as the Sportsroof from the era. As for the 1972-1976 models? Well, let’s not dwell on those.

I came across this seemingly fair-priced Ford and despite the ever-nagging suspicion that there’s something hiding under the primer, $6,500 for a running, driving muscle-era Ford seems like a good deal considering most cool pre-smog cars we come across are at least $5,000 regardless of condition. The 351 could soldier on or be the basis for a solid 400 stroker, there’s no shortage of Cleveland cylinder heads that can make tremendous power. A Grabber Orange paintjob would be a nice touch, and because it’s a Ford, there are companies like Dearborn Classics that can help with sourcing interior bits and trim. I’ve got a feeling it would be a lot easier to find parts for the Torino than just about any of the other oddball cars I’ve been eying lately. If any HOT ROD readers end up with this car, we’d love to see how it turns out.

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